I drove off into the desert with a couple of my favorite lady friends a couple weeks ago to see Brett Dennen play at Pappy & Harriets. We got a head start and camped out at Jumbo Rocks in Joshua Tree on Friday and crashed at a hotel after the show on Saturday. We had loads of fun traipsing around, climbing rocks, catching sunsets, sitting by the campfire, and dancing with Brett Dennen. I'm already itching to go back...

Remember I told you yesterday I'm realizing I know a lot of awesome people doing their own awesome things? Well, I need to tell you about local designer Jordanna of Echo & Air. She a local fashion designer who makes amazing clothes, that are classic, comfy, and unique- my favorite combination. Her collections feature interesting silhouettes, simple fabrics, and soft colors. (Click here to see for yourself.)

Echo & Air's been blowing up the LA fashion circuit for nearly two years and just attending NY Fashion Week this past week! She's local through and through, living and producing the line in DTLA, which is pretty rad if you ask me. This outfit (pictured above) was pretty much perfect for my road trip to the desert last weekend. Long hours in the car, it kept me comfy and transitioned perfectly to night- just add mascara, a pair of pumps, and let your hair down.

Anyways ladies (or men looking for gift ideas) check her out if you know what's good for you (and your closet). Recently featured in Thrifts & Threads, Apparel News and The Cult Collective- she's not going anywhere.

I've been doing a lot of cooking lately, and these brownie bars were a hit. They taste like dessert, but they're all natural and packed with lots of goodness, protein, and superfoods. Even better, they were pretty easy to whip up and only 7 ingredients required. They're perfect for a light breakfast on the go, a mid day snack, or a late night treat. Make them!

Ingredients:

1 cup cashews (soaked)

1/2 cup almonds

1 cup prunes

1/2 cup dates

2 tbsp coconut nectar (may sub honey or maple syrup)

2 tbsp cacao

1 tbsp peanut butter

Directions:

Add all ingredients into a blender and blend until it becomes a thick dough-like texture. I like to start with the nuts, add the fruit and then the nectar and powder so the machinery doesn't get overwhelmed.

Once all is mixed, line a lasagna pan with parchment paper and with your hands press out the dough so that it's about 1/2 thick and evenly spread across. You can put another piece of parchment paper on top and use a rolling pin to keep your fingers from getting sticky. You can always add more almonds if it's getting too sticky and more coconut nectar if it's not sticky enough.

Slice 'em up and store in an airtight container in the fridge. Enjoy all week for a healthy & energizing snack!

Have you ever made your own granola bars? Any pointers? I'd love to hear! Link to comment up top by the title!